New security standards in IT seem to come everyday. 2FA, or MFA, which stands for either Two Factor Authentication or MultiFactor Authentication has been around for some time and is an absolute necessity in this era of constant digital exploitation. First, I help choose a method, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, there are many choices and it is important the end user is comfortable with the type used. Email and SMS (text messaging) are the weakest forms but are better than nothing at all. Once setup, MFA will prevent most attempts at accessing an account and should be used whenever available. Accounts that it should be used on without question:  Bank Accounts. Admin Accounts for any system. Email access. Any other account that can draw money. For instance, I had a customer with who's merchant account was accessed and used to buy multiple gift cards. They then paid off the account because their bank account was linked to it already and then repeated the process. A total of 20K was stolen. Most of it was recovered after I was brought in. I helped them pull a credit report to identify all accounts under their name and then we went through the process of contacting each account, changing the password and adding MFA to each account to prevent future nefarious access. They repeated the same process for all accounts with purchasing options like Amazon, Sams Club, and even their utilities.

New Members find many things about PowerCore that are different from networking groups they have experience with.

In order to move smoothly into the referral profit zone we have a five-part mentoring program, so they learn from friends.

I have had 3 or 4 Auto/Home insurance carriers that have left Georgia.  Each carrier sent my clients non-renewal letters.  My clients have been upset because they have been great clients with no claims.  

First, I allow my clients to understand that their "clean history" is valued in my office.  The carriers have decided to leave Georgia for their reasons and it is no reflection on my clients.

Then we find a better carrier and save them some if possible.

It's never easy telling a client that they need to change something about their house--the ultimate personal space--in order to make it more appealing to others.  It's a necessary conversation, though, and I focus on highlighting the positive attributes of a property as opposed to criticizing their decor and other personal items.    Sometimes, asking them to picture where their items will go "in the new house" helps them see past the change.  I love it when they start to make the connection that the space itself (and not the stuff in it) is the star of the show.  

My industry is constantly changing. Every time we turn around the EPA is telling us we cant do things the way they were always done. With all these changes come alot of uncertaintity and animousity from my consumer. I have to be well informed in these changes so I can help navigate my clients to making the right decisions. Printed scripts are not anything I can use, for every situation has diffrent needs or outcomes. I am the script. and what I say can and will impact not only in home safety and comfort but also finacially. The largest change I have to overcome is price, my industry has doubled in cost in the last 4 years with more coming  in the near future. 

A roof or construction project can cost more than some customers realize. A big change in their budget is not something that most people expect. Helping them to pick the type of materials and styles of different products to help them to be cost efficient is how I can help through this discomforting time. Assuring them of quality installation and the most "bang for their buck" is what I try to communicate to them..

There are always changes when dealing with the IRS.  I communicate these changes to my clients in an annual letter, however, this year the change is mid year.  Each LLC, S Corp or partnership must complete a new form, the BOI, Beneficial Ownership Information.  I am sending a letter to each affected client with instructions on how to complete this form and offering to assist them if necessary.  If this new form is not submitted no later than January 1, 2025, there may be penalties and fines.  I counsel with those clients who need direct assistance.

A common challenge my clients face is stepping out of their comfort zones to establish a presence in the digital market. As the digital landscape evolves, so do marketing strategies, which can be unsettling for businesses accustomed to traditional methods. I guide my clients through this discomfort by helping them understand the necessity of change in staying relevant. I start by educating them on the latest digital trends and how these align with their business goals. Then, I work with them to gradually implement new strategies, ensuring they feel supported and confident every step of the way. This approach not only eases the transition but also empowers them to embrace change as a growth opportunity.

While different travel advisors have a different way of doing business, at the end of the game its about getting the client booked on their fabulous vacation at the best value we can find.  If they're coming to me from another agency I ask questions to determine how they like to work so I can make sure to do what they like....and not do what they don't like!  We don't spend a ton of time working on our competitors....our service makes us stand out in a good (or bad) way.  

When I meet with an individual or family for the first time, that time is spent just digging into finding out what's important. Usually having enough money to enjoy retirement becomes a topic of discussion and a concern for most families. More times than not, I uncover that families are making contributions to their retirement plans but they really don't understand how their contributions help them achieve their actual need or want in retirement.  Contributions are made each month because they receive a company match, or the HR Director said it was a good idea. I utilize a mathematical calculation intertwined with a visual "bucket" presentation to show if they are on track to meet their goal. I explain that math does not lie and encourage action.  My goal with every appointment is to lay out a plan and have that plan properly protected and funded as soon as possible.  When it comes to Retirement Planning Time can be more valuable than Money!

Usually most of my clients are experiencing a change sometimes good or sometimes not so much. Change like a divorce, a death, retirement before age 65, job change etc. Dealing with a health insurance change can be overwelming during this period.  I try and make sure we explore all their options and help them find the one that best fits their needs and budget. I make sure they have my phone number in their phone along with my email address and assure them they can contact me anytime for assistance.

To succeed with their finances, my clients need to shift their thinking on how they work with their money.  We start with a conversation about their budget and how they are currently spending their money.  We then discuss their goals and dreams and see how those align with their current spending.  

I guide my clients through this mindset shift as fast or slow as they need so they can succeed.  In each session, I always start the discussion with their wins since we last met.  This helps to reinforce and encourage their new behaviors and also leads to lessons learned if there were hiccups in the process.

Change can be very difficult, and this is in the instance of good change,or bad. In my line of work change is often very necessary in order to guarantee service completion and create best results. I don't use a script, but I have creative words, and preparation guides that motivate change for my clients, and in return eases discomfort. 

Buying a home is a big change and can be stressful in itself. In addition, navigating through the mortgage lending process of buying a home can make that change and stress even more difficult. I help my clients through the change and stress through education. By teaching them how the watch works rather than just telling them the time, I put together a powerpoint presentation that is specific to that one client. This presentation includes how a mortgage lender qualifies them, why and what fees are charged, and how mortgage interest rates work. This education and knowledge gives them the confidence to compare apples to apples and the added time spent with my client makes the change for them more comforting.

When I work with a family on issues related to elder care, two parties are generally going through a huge change- the adult child and the elder.  The primary person going through this change is the older adult.  Their lives are being impacted the most.  They are either making the decision to move out of a home they've independently lived in for decades, or they a allowing a caregiver to come into their home to help with things they used to do on their own.  A large part of my consulting service is counseling the older adult through this change by demystifying their preconceived feelings about senior living.  Most older adults think senior living communities are nursing homes where you go to die.  Navigating them through this change, and helping them to become excited about senior living requires conversation, lunches, introductions, tours, etc.

When dealing with a construction-related situation, such as a change order due to an unexpected issue discovered after demolition, it's essential to communicate effectively with my clients. Here’s how I guide them through the discomfort of this change while also setting the stage for potential referrals:

In construction, unexpected challenges often arise, especially after demolition, when hidden issues are revealed. These situations require change orders, which can be uncomfortable for my clients due to increased costs or project delays. However, by guiding them through the process with clear and supportive communication, I can ease their concerns and strengthen my relationship, leading to future referrals.

• Example: “During the demolition phase, we uncovered [describe the issue, e.g., structural damage, outdated wiring, plumbing issues] that was not visible before. I understand this is an unexpected development, and it may cause some concern.”

• Printed Script: 

Example: Hi Jake, I wanted to inform you that our construction team discovered leak in your plumbing behind the walls after the demolition phase. This issue was not anticipated, and as a result, we’ll need to issue a change order to address it properly. The crew has assessed the situation, and they’ve proposed replace the rotted wood and plumbing. This change will result in a delay of a two days and a cost of $1,200. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. We’re committed to keeping this project on track and delivering the best possible outcome. Regards, Justin Halford.

Next I offer Direct Communication: If the client finds it uncomfortable or challenging to communicate this change internally, I offer to step in and handle the communication on their behalf.

• • Example: “If it’s easier for you, I can personally explain the situation to spouse and walk them through the necessary changes and why they’re critical for the project’s success.”

• • Example: “By tackling this issue now, we’re preventing future complications that could arise down the line. This proactive approach will save time and money in the long run, and ensure the final build meets the highest standards.”

By effectively managing unexpected changes with transparency and empathy, I not only help my clients navigate the discomfort of a change order but also build trust and reliability. This strong relationship is key to earning their referrals, as they’ll appreciate my professionalism and support that I provided during a challenging situation.

• Follow-Up: After the issue has been resolved and the change order executed, I follow up to ensure the client is satisfied with how the situation was handled. This is also an excellent time to ask for referrals or a testimonial.

This approach not only helps me manage client expectations but also reinforces my commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, helping me with future business referrals.

i ask my customers for referral and I give them in return for the referrals a $50.00 gift cerficate

our pop up events

Out shopping and striking up a converation with the person.

give out goody bags

My clients are looking to scale the business, so change is something they embrace. But it can be perceived as a negative by their clients. That's why I create a script for them or their team to explain why the change is the best thing for their client when the natural tendency is to explain why the change is the best thing for the company making the change. For instance, automating their customer onboarding might save my client precious staff time. AND it allows their customers to onboard without an appointment on their own schedule at their own pace. Every change has a customer benefit, I show it to my clients so that's the messaging their clients hear.

In the legal sector, Clients often have unrealistic expectations as to costs, timelines, and outcomes. Thus, it is important to set expectations early and manage expectations regularly. Therefore, I make sure that a Client is aware of total costs prior to engagement, timelines as set forth by Courts, lenders, and opposing parties, as well as the viability of their claims. This provides Clients with an opportunity to change their mindset and expectations. Underperforming is a more difficult spot than underpromising. 

Many of my clients face change every year. They may have a change in their health, possibly a new chronic condition which would require new medications or treatments. Their income may change. They could also gain or loose Medicaid status. All of these things can affect their insurance plan. I navigate them through the change by providing them will all the facts and the options they have and let them choose what is best for them. 

In working with my client Mike, I faced a significant change in his approach to managing 1099 contractors. Initially, Mike was paying his contractors without obtaining the necessary W-9 forms, leaving him in a risky position with the IRS, especially concerning his obligations to issue 1099s by January 31.

To guide Mike through this discomforting transition, I first acknowledged his resistance to the change. Understandably, he was apprehensive about altering his established processes and concerned about the potential pushback from contractors. I reassured him that this change would not only help him comply with IRS regulations but also streamline his operations moving forward.

I implemented a 1099 tracking system designed to make this process as seamless as possible. This system automatically sends out W-9 requests to contractors electronically. They fill out their information and sign the forms within the platform, which then verifies the Tax Identification Number (TIN) and address for accuracy. This not only saves Mike time but also significantly reduces the chances of errors that could lead to delays. 

To help Mike adapt to this new system, I set up a user-friendly dashboard that allows him to easily track which contractors have submitted their W-9s. This way, he gained visibility into his contractor compliance status, ensuring he could pay them promptly knowing that he had all the information necessary.

Throughout this process, I provided ongoing support, encouraging Chad to voice his concerns and ask questions at every step. By framing this change as an opportunity to improve his business practices and reduce risk, Mike gradually embraced the system, feeling empowered rather than overwhelmed. In the end, he not only complied with regulatory requirements but also established a more efficient workflow that would benefit him long-term, reducing stress as the 1099 filing deadlines approached.

One common change my clients face is switching financial advisors or investment platforms when they start working with me. This transition can be uncomfortable, especially if they have an established relationship or feel uncertain about the process.

To make it easier, I provide a personalized transition guide that includes a clear, step-by-step process and a printed script they can use when communicating with their previous advisor. I also offer to handle communications directly with their old provider when appropriate, ensuring a seamless transfer of accounts and minimizing stress for the client.

This approach helps clients feel supported, reassured, and confident during the change, reinforcing trust and making it more likely for them to refer me to others who may be hesitant about making similar transitions.

A home real estate purchase is a very stressful event, but can be made even worse when you add in a vague mortgage process, a stubborn seller and tough negotiations. Many buyers may want to give up on the whole thing!  I love to guide my buyers to through an interactive digital presentation showing multiple loan options. Often, a small change to the loan amount or a restructuring of the deal will bridge a negotiation stalemate and allow buyers to feel comfortable moving forward.  

In home care, one of the significant changes clients often have to face is losing a degree of independence. This shift can be particularly challenging, as it affects not just their physical abilities but also their sense of identity and autonomy. First I acknowledge their feelings with empathy and kindness. It is a gradual transition where I have to earn their trust while helping them navigate through the change to their routines. By approaching the discomfort of change with empathy and patience, clients are able to transition into home care with greater ease.